FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) I like Touchstone’s homes and would like to discuss building. How do we start?

A) The first step is to contact us at a show home or visit or call our office at 306-974-5099. We will help you to decide on a house type and to select a suitable building lot. We maintain an inventory of lots in Saskatoon’s best neighborhoods including Brighton and Grasswood Estates. Each lot and home style has its own advantages, which we can help you to explore. We have an extensive collection of plans to start from.

Q) Can I build a new home when I still have an existing home to sell?

A) Yes. Lenders have financing options for people that have a home to sell. It is generally not a problem to sell your home after the construction process is underway and a possession date can be estimated.

Q) I have a floor plan in mind that I like. Can you build it with certain changes?

A) Yes. Our architectural draftsperson and designer will meet with you to discuss any changes that you like. We provide a dynamic planning process where you can see the changes being planned, so that we can explore options with you. We will revise the plans as required and optimize the design to fit the lot and neighborhood.

Q) I already own a lot, can you build my dream house?

A) Yes. We are happy to design and build a home on your existing property.

Q) What is your lot holding policy?

A) Lots are held to allow us to work through the planning of your new home, to agree on pricing and details, and to finalize the construction contract. A $2,000 deposit will hold your lot for up to twenty one days. Any time up to 21 days you can decide to cancel, and your deposit will be refunded. After 21 days, all or part of the deposit may be held to cover design and land holding costs. The $2,000 deposit is fully applied towards the home purchase. Please contact us for more information and to start working toward building your dream home.

Q) How long will it take to build my new Touchstone home?

A) Typically, we forecast 4-6 months to build your home from the time construction begins. However, there are variables that may impact this schedule such as selection time, change orders, weather, labor and material supplies. Our first priority is to complete your home to our high standards. Making your selections early will help us to complete the home more quickly.

Q) Do I need a real estate agent?

A) We are happy to work with agents, and recognize the value that they can add. However, a real estate agent is not required and you can work directly with Touchstone to plan and purchase your new home.

Q) I don’t like to negotiate, but I want the best price possible.

A) Touchstone works hard to build your quality home efficiently with competitive pricing. As we work with you through the design process we will provide budget prices. Once the design has been finalized and preliminary plans and specifications are ready, we will provide our best price for your approval. Final price is always within the budget, so there are no surprises.

Q) How is the construction financed?

A) Custom build's follow the construction draw approach, in order to provide the lowest cost. We start construction with a 10% deposit. As the home progresses you will be able to make draws against the new homes mortgage based on appraised progress inspections, usually at the 40%, and 70% stages. The final payment is made once the home is complete and ready for possession. We will explain the process and help you through it as work progresses. We can discuss other financing options with you.

Q) What are allowances?

A) Allowances are used to set a budget for costs that are yet to be determined. For example, if you have a $20,000 flooring allowance, you will be able to shop for and select flooring up to a total installed cost of $20,000. If you select less expensive flooring, you will receive a credit against the contract. If you go over, the cost will be added by change order. The contract price will never be increased unless you approve it.

Q) Will you help us through the building process?

A) Yes. We want you to have a positive building experience. Our designers and support people are here to help you. It is best to spend more time with us at the start so that inefficient or disruptive changes can be kept to a minimum. We will also recommend various specialists to work with you to provide such things as flooring, tile, and stone, and professionals such as lawyers, and mortgage consultants. Our recommendations are based on our customer’s experiences and the supplier’s meeting our standards for quality and integrity. Touchstone never accepts referral commissions.

Q) What is the best way to reach Touchstone.

A) During construction please send all correspondence through your customer support person. They are there to help you through the process and are your sole point for efficient contact. We will ensure that all changes or issues are dealt with. You can relax and trust us to look after building your home. Except for show home staff, we are generally not available on evenings and weekends. These breaks allow us to be 100% at your service during regular business hours.

Q) What sets Touchstone homes apart from Saskatoon’s many builders?

A) Touchstone is committed to providing the best possible home to fit your lifestyle and budget. Our entire team is dedicated to building the highest quality home as efficiently as possible. No builder matches our attention to detail and project supervision, from ensuring that the foundation and site preparation is done properly, to the final completion and servicing of your unique home.

Q) How are new Touchstone homes better than other existing homes?

A) Some of the advantages of new construction arenew kitchens and bathsbuilt for today’s lifestyle, new fixtures and appliances, improved energy efficiency, higher quality materials, newer technology, and far less home maintenance requirements. Building new allows you to make your own choices to get exactly what you want. Our new homes are built significantly tighter with more insulation and better materials and mechanical systems than were available just a few years ago.

Q) We live in a harsh climate, are Touchstone homes built for it?

A) Touchstone has worked with local engineers and applied our experience to develop best practices to ensure that your new home is built to last, and to be efficient. We take extra steps to ensure that the foundation, water drainage, back-fill, and building envelope are built to our unique standards and are complete and effective against water problems and the elements. The integrity of the air seal is verified throughout the home by our staff using advanced imaging and inspection processes. Special metal cladding, and properly applied acrylic stucco ensure that the exterior is 100% maintenance free.

Q) Can I have my friend work on part of my Touchstone home?

A) No. Your home is constructed by Touchstone staff and carefully selected qualified sub-contractors, trades, and suppliers. Over the years we have developed a team that works together to deliver the highest quality in an efficient manner. We take overall responsibility for the finished product, knowing that all workers on our sites are accountable and committed to our standards. A Touchstone approved service provider must have proven workmanship, responsibility, cooperation, coordination, licencing, insurance, WCB, code compliance, TDC safety requirements, and knowledge of our processes. Our team keeps the project moving along efficiently, and you benefit from a comprehensive new home warranty.

Q) What is Touchstone’s warranty?

A) Touchstone offers the comprehensive Saskatchewan New Home Warranty. This includes a complete one year material and workmanship warranty, 2 year water penetration warranty, and 5 year major structural. Your deposit is also guaranteed by the program. Certain home systems and components, such as our Carrier heating and air conditioning systems carry additional warranties. Our service department will work with you to ensure that any issues are resolved properly and promptly.

Q) Can you incorporate modern electronics in my new home?

A) iHome Systems, Touchstone’s technology company, is dedicated to researching and applying the most practical and user friendly technology into your home. This may include high efficiency Carrier zoned heating and air-conditioning, easy to use automatic light controllers, home and away security, mutli-room music, and media systems.

Q) What is the Touchstone Lifestyle Service Package?

A) it is available on any of our new homes. We will provide complete development of the home and lot including landscaping. It includes maintenance of the home and yard, including everything from sprinkler blow-outs, lawn treatments & mowing, to snow clearing with each snow fall! We will clean & check your mechanical systems, and confirm that the home system stays in original condition. The TLSP gives you the benefits of condo living in your own private home.

Q) Do you have any homes available for immediate possession?

A) Yes. Please check the neighbourhoods section for more information on available homes, or contact us.

Q) What is the One Month Custom Home Option?

A) Some of our homes are available with a one month delivery option. You get to select the flooring, counter tops, paint colours, lighting, deck options and more. We will complete the home with your design selections, and have it ready for you in about one month. No need to wait 6 months for your dream home.

Showhomes

Our new Brighton show home is now open along with 12 other show homes and a neighbourhood sales centre. Weekends and holidays 12 to 5 and Monday to Thursday 5-9 232 Secord Way